Togo hosts national finals of the 17th OHADA Geniuses in Training competition
National finals of the 17th OHADA Geniuses in Training competition held in Lomé
The Auditorium of the University of Lomé buzzed with intellectual energy on Saturday, May 30, 2026, as the nation’s brightest law students competed in the national finals of the 17th edition of the International Geniuses in Training OHADA Competition (CIGHO).
The event, co-organized by the National OHADA Geniuses in Training Coordination and the Togolese branch of the International Association of Law Students (AIEJ-TOGO), followed rigorous preliminary selections held simultaneously in Lomé and Kara on April 25, 2026.
Opening ceremonies set the stage for legal debate
The ceremony began with introductory remarks by the Master of Ceremonies, Pirénam BLANDE, former President of AIEJ-TOGO. This was followed by keynote addresses from Messifa Komlan KONALI, National Coordinator and Magistrate, Saturnin Sassou A. AGBLO-NOAMESSI, Head of the Tax Division at the Togolese Revenue Office (OTR), and Têko Seyram Godwin AMENYINU, Project Manager and Doctor of Private Law, who formally launched the written examination phase.
Competition format tests legal knowledge and oratory skills
Under the guidance of National Coordinator Messifa Komlan KONALI, the ten finalists—drawn from the University of Lomé, University of Kara, and the Higher Institute of Law and Translation (ISDI)—faced a series of challenging assessments: a multiple-choice questionnaire, questions on African integration, a “Who am I?” round, and a ten-minute legal advocacy presentation.
Following the written tests and a performance by slam poet MERCY, the finalists delivered compelling oral arguments on the central question: “Can tax law be integrated into OHADA’s material scope of competence?”
Expert jury evaluates top contenders
The distinguished jury, presided over by Pr Edem AVEGNON, Professor of Private Law and Tax Expert at the University of Lomé, included:
- Afeignidou BILABINA, Deputy Prosecutor at the Notsè District Court;
- Sidick K. AKATA, Trainee Lawyer and 2025 Monferrier Dorval CIB Oratory Competition finalist;
- Dr Godwin Disseyi PALOUKI, Tax Inspector and 2018 CIGHO best thesis winner;
- Rahile MIJIYAWA, International Cooperation Advisor and 2021 CIGHO best advocate.
Winners announced and prepared for international stage
After cumulative scoring from written and oral rounds, the top three finalists emerged:
- 1st Place: Ms. Atsoupi Ama NEGLO, University of Kara (Public Law graduate);
- 2nd Place: Mr. Francis Koffi FIA, University of Lomé (Private Law student);
- 3rd Place: Mr. Edoé F. Ulrich MENSAH-GAFAN AKOVI, ISDI (Digital Law & Data Protection Master’s student).
The winning trio will now undergo specialized training led by former CIGHO laureates Koamivi AGBAH, Obed Adjévi NEGLOKPE, and Bilal BABA DARO, in preparation for the international finals.
Gratitude to partners and supporters
The organizers extended heartfelt thanks to key partners including the Togolese Revenue Office (OTR) for financial support, the University of Lomé for institutional backing, and the African Union for Legal Harmonization (UNIDA)—represented by Têko Seyram Godwin AMENYINU—for providing study materials. Additional gratitude was expressed to the Presidents of the Lomé Court of First Instance and Commercial Court, local law firms, and notaries for their generous contributions.
Special recognition went to the jury for their expert evaluation, to AIEJ-TOGO and its President Marie-Claire Egnonam AVLA, and to the OHADA Club of the University of Kara—represented by Alika AYEBA and Assiki GNASSINGBE—for their pivotal roles in the national selection process.
The road to international glory continues, with the world finals scheduled for September 12–19, 2026, in Lomé.
